Meaning: This quote, attributed to the French sociologist Jean Baudrillard, is a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of order, judgment, and the divine. The quote suggests that the order of the world is inherently correct, as it is the judgment of God. However, it also implies a sense of absence or departure on the part of God, leaving behind only his judgment, akin to the Cheshire Cat leaving its enigmatic grin.

Jean Baudrillard was a highly influential figure in the field of sociology, particularly known for his theories on postmodernism, consumer culture, and the simulation of reality. Born in 1929, Baudrillard's work often challenged conventional notions of reality and representation, delving into the realms of hyperreality and the impact of mass media on society.

In the context of the quote, Baudrillard seems to be exploring the idea of divine absence and the enduring presence of divine judgment. The reference to the Cheshire Cat, a character from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," adds a whimsical and enigmatic layer to the quote, inviting interpretation and contemplation.

The notion that "the order of the world is always right" reflects a belief in the inherent correctness or inevitability of the way things are. This could be interpreted in various ways, including as a commentary on the acceptance of the status quo, the concept of fate or predestination, or the idea that there is an underlying harmony or balance to the world, even in the face of chaos or suffering.

The statement "such is the judgment of God" introduces a theological dimension, suggesting that this perceived order is not merely a random occurrence, but rather a reflection of divine judgment. This implies that the state of the world, with all its complexities and contradictions, is ultimately sanctioned by a higher power.

The second part of the quote, "For God has departed, but he has left his judgment behind, the way the Cheshire Cat left his grin," introduces a sense of absence or withdrawal on the part of God. This departure, however, is not total, as it is accompanied by the enduring presence of divine judgment.

The comparison to the Cheshire Cat's grin is particularly evocative. In Carroll's story, the Cheshire Cat is known for its enigmatic smile and its ability to appear and disappear at will, often leaving only its grin behind as a lingering sign of its presence. This comparison could be interpreted as suggesting that while God may seem absent or elusive, the traces of divine judgment remain embedded in the fabric of the world.

Baudrillard's use of this analogy invites contemplation on the nature of absence, presence, and the remnants of the divine in the world. It evokes questions about the ways in which we perceive and interpret the signs of the divine, and how we grapple with the idea of a world seemingly devoid of direct divine intervention.

In the broader context of Baudrillard's body of work, this quote resonates with his exploration of the hyperreal, the simulation of reality, and the pervasive influence of symbols and signs in contemporary society. It could be seen as a reflection of the ways in which the idea of the divine, or of ultimate meaning, is mediated and perpetuated through cultural representations and collective consciousness.

Overall, this quote from Jean Baudrillard encapsulates profound reflections on the nature of order, divine judgment, and the enigmatic presence of the divine in the world. It challenges the reader to contemplate the complexities of existence, the role of the divine, and the enduring traces of meaning and judgment that persist in the fabric of reality.